Welcome to the tribal world of Africa! Here, masks are thought to have originated with hunting masks that were used to camouflage the hunter with his surroundings (Smith). From this, a whole new tradition of masks began to flourish among the tribes of Africa. The mask became very versatile; the wearer was able to transform into another being, and they were able to use a system of different shapes and colours to convey messages to their communities (Smith).
Each mask is comprised according to a number of different factors: location, occasion, tribe, shape and which entity is being represented (Smith). Masks were mainly made in Western and Central Africa and were slightly different depending on the tribe that was making them (Smith). They were used for a number of different occasions including rituals and rites of passage (Smith). The shape of the mask differed depending on its purpose and which tribe it belonged to; it would cover the face, the entire head, or somewhere in between the two (Smith). The mask could represent a variety of different entities: ancestors, deities, animals and even women (Smith).
Each mask is comprised according to a number of different factors: location, occasion, tribe, shape and which entity is being represented (Smith). Masks were mainly made in Western and Central Africa and were slightly different depending on the tribe that was making them (Smith). They were used for a number of different occasions including rituals and rites of passage (Smith). The shape of the mask differed depending on its purpose and which tribe it belonged to; it would cover the face, the entire head, or somewhere in between the two (Smith). The mask could represent a variety of different entities: ancestors, deities, animals and even women (Smith).
Masks are said to be spirits sent to the African man as a means of mediation between god, the ancestors, and man himself (Nasry). There is a force in tribal tradition called Nyama, which is described as the animating principle of life (Nasry). It is the Universal Energy that links men, animals, plants and minerals together (Nasry). It is said that the mask is the dwelling place for spirits and Nyama, and so by wearing the mask, the wearer’s Nyama will be augmented (Nasry). Since it is a spiritual object, the mask is used for many rituals and rites of passage. The mask is called upon during times of hardship such as natural disasters, illness and poor crop yield (Nasry). Often, these disasters are viewed as a sign that there is disunity between with the Earth (which is a female entity), and so they must use the mask in a ritual to appease the god (Nasry). Another reason to believe that there is disharmony with Mother Earth is when a woman cannot conceive a child. In this instance, fertility masks are used in a ritual to aid in the conception (Nasry).
The mask allows the wearer to completely transform; the wearer does not play a role, he becomes it (Smith). While wearing the mask, he will often speak, move and behave in a completely different manner (National Geographic). The wearer will “become” whatever entity the mask is portraying, whether that is an animal, a woman or once of their ancestors (National Geographic). This proves useful when dealing with politics within the tribes (Nasry). In some tribes, masks intervene in the most vital political decisions: war, peace, order and justice (Nasry). There are different masks for different purposes: there is a mask judge, the mask of wisdom, and even a mask of entertainment (Nasry). When he mask speaks the decision is final; no one dares to question the judgment of the mask (Nasry). The Dan tribe has a mask called Zakpei. During the dry season, when the homes were susceptible to fire, Zakpei would go around the village making sure cooking fires did not blow onto the houses, overturning cooking pots and punishing disobedient women, all to ensure that the tribe would be kept safe and orderly (Nasry).
Masks were also important in the tribes’ social structure. The masks were able to keep harmony in the villages, punish the guilty, and keep young ones from going astray (Nasry). Masks were a vital means of keeping the active memory of the people; they would ensure the knowledge about the secrets of nature, tradition and history would be passed down through generations (Nasry). The masks were called upon during important moments of the year: births, the rite of passage into puberty and adulthood, the harvest feast, and many more (Nasry). These rituals would exist in the form of a, “masquerade,” which was a ceremony in front of the entire community in which the mask would be a centerpiece for an elaborate costume (Nasry). Often, there were even props involved in the display (Nasry). Masquerades were used as much for rituals and rites as they were for entertainment (Nasry). Masks were truly versatile in the African tribe culture.
The mask allows the wearer to completely transform; the wearer does not play a role, he becomes it (Smith). While wearing the mask, he will often speak, move and behave in a completely different manner (National Geographic). The wearer will “become” whatever entity the mask is portraying, whether that is an animal, a woman or once of their ancestors (National Geographic). This proves useful when dealing with politics within the tribes (Nasry). In some tribes, masks intervene in the most vital political decisions: war, peace, order and justice (Nasry). There are different masks for different purposes: there is a mask judge, the mask of wisdom, and even a mask of entertainment (Nasry). When he mask speaks the decision is final; no one dares to question the judgment of the mask (Nasry). The Dan tribe has a mask called Zakpei. During the dry season, when the homes were susceptible to fire, Zakpei would go around the village making sure cooking fires did not blow onto the houses, overturning cooking pots and punishing disobedient women, all to ensure that the tribe would be kept safe and orderly (Nasry).
Masks were also important in the tribes’ social structure. The masks were able to keep harmony in the villages, punish the guilty, and keep young ones from going astray (Nasry). Masks were a vital means of keeping the active memory of the people; they would ensure the knowledge about the secrets of nature, tradition and history would be passed down through generations (Nasry). The masks were called upon during important moments of the year: births, the rite of passage into puberty and adulthood, the harvest feast, and many more (Nasry). These rituals would exist in the form of a, “masquerade,” which was a ceremony in front of the entire community in which the mask would be a centerpiece for an elaborate costume (Nasry). Often, there were even props involved in the display (Nasry). Masquerades were used as much for rituals and rites as they were for entertainment (Nasry). Masks were truly versatile in the African tribe culture.